Operation Safe Stop is a program that seeks to educate the public about the dangers of illegally passing a stopped school bus. Operation Safe Stop Education and Enforcement Day is Thursday, April 27, 2017.

According to New York State law, any child under 4 years of age, must be in a federally approved child safety seat, even if the child is riding in a school bus. See section 1229-c. (11) of the New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law.

See section 1229-c (13) for children riding in other school type vehicles. Vehicles of these types include school cars, vans, suburbans and SUVs.

New York State's school bus seat belt law requires all school buses manufactured after July 1, 1987 to be equipped with seat belts. New York State does not currently mandate seat belt use on school buses, but rather, leaves the a decision to each school district.

If you are unsure whether or not the use of seat belts on school buses is mandated by your locality, check with you school board.

Are children under the age of four required to be restrained in a car seat while riding on a school bus?

Yes. The law states that children under the age of four must be restrained in a federally approved car seat while riding on a school bus [Section 1229-c(11), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].

Is advertising allowed on school buses?

Yes, Chapter 415 created Vehicle and Traffic Law section 375(21-h), which provides that:

21-h. It shall be unlawful for any motor vehicle having a seating capacity of more than seven passengers, and used primarily to transport pupils or pupils and teachers to and from school to be mounted with, or have placed or installed thereon any sign, placard or other display except as provided by law. Provided, however, that the provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to such motor vehicles operating in a city with a population of one million or more.

What is "Operation Safe-Stop"?

Operation Safe-Stop is a law enforcement and education initiative addressing the problem of motorists who illegally pass stopped school buses. This ongoing program takes a two-pronged approach, coordinating enforcement activities and public information efforts to target drivers who violate the law and to educate the motoring public that passing a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing is both illegal and dangerous to the students who ride school buses. [Section 1174, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law.]